How much does social media management actually cost?

The real range, tier by tier

If you’ve priced this out, you already know the numbers don’t agree with each other. DIY costs $0 in cash but takes real hours out of your week, and the feed still looks like whatever you had time for. AI tools run $30 to $150 a month and handle scheduling, not brand judgment, so the output reads generic unless someone shapes it. A freelancer runs $500 to $2,500 a month for one person’s time and attention, which means one point of failure and whatever capacity they have that month. A boutique agency runs $1,500 to $5,000 a month, usually with a longer commitment attached. An in-house hire starts at $4,500 a month before you count hiring time, management and turnover risk.

What actually drives the price

Two accounts and ten posts cost less than five accounts, video, strategy and same-day replies. Reply speed and reporting depth also move the number: a plan with a same-day response window and monthly strategy calls costs more than one with a monthly check-in, because someone is holding that availability open for you.

Where a flat-rate partner fits

Creovus plans start at $99 a month for a consistent, on-brand feed, and $449 a month covers the full white-glove tier: 20 posts, 5 videos, up to 5 platforms and a named contact who replies the same day. Every plan includes the same non-negotiable: nothing goes live without your approval, and there is no long-term contract locking you in while you find out if it works.